Massive airport development and expansion across the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent and the major issues affecting operators, local authorities, airlines and passengers, came under the spotlight yesterday, when the industry’s regional showcase event opened in Dubai.

Attracting a record assembly of suppliers from around the world, the seventh Airport Show was officially opened by its patron H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise.

According to research carried out by the organisers, Streamline Marketing Group, airport development and expansions worth nearly US$60 billion are currently taking place across the region, with US$ 20 billion in the UAE alone.

More than 500 suppliers – up 25 per cent on last year – have been attracted to the three-day event at Airport Expo Dubai, including key projects such as the US$ 8.2 billion Dubai World Central International Airport, the US$ 5.5 billion New Doha International Airport project, the US$ 6.8 billion expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport and the US$ 4.5 billion revamp of Dubai International Airport.

Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied by Laith Kubba and Nick Webb, directors of Streamline Marketing Group, as he cut the ribbon to officially inaugurate the show, now the largest airport industry exhibition in Asia. He then toured the exhibition hall, talking with representatives from companies offering cutting-edge products and services vital to the running of airports.

The suppliers represent three main areas – ‘Build’, which includes airport planning, design and construction; ‘Supply’, including technical systems and installations, security and lighting; and ‘Operate’, which includes ground handling, fuelling and air traffic control.

Airport Show Opening Day 2

This year the UAE, Germany and the UK have the biggest national representation while the USA and Canada have the greatest increase in exhibitor numbers. The show also includes national pavilions from Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Italy, Singapore and the USA for the first time. All exhibitors have pre-arranged meetings with buyers representing a record 30 civil aviation authorities from across the region, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, China and India.

Three conferences, focusing on aviation security, ground handling and air traffic control, run alongside the show for the first time this year and will be a major highlight. The conferences, beginning tomorrow, have attracted an impressive line-up of international speakers and topics, which will generate thought-provoking debates. Sessions include ‘Securing Baghdad International Airport’; ‘Emergency response during a terrorist situation’; ‘Air traffic forecast: Outlook for 2020 and beyond’ and ‘Servicing the A380’.

Today delegates can also attend a workshop on ‘Aviation security and its impact on crises’, given by crisis management company, Aeralert US and Aeralert International. The workshop will focus on how airports can improve their response to emergencies, including analysis of real-life case studies.

“We have secured a record line-up of exhibitors this year making the Airport Show the perfect meeting place for airport industry decision-makers to network and do business,” said Kubba. “The conferences are an important new feature of the show and will give delegates the opportunity to learn more about the latest developments and issues affecting airports, airlines and the aviation sector generally.”

The Airport Show enjoys the support of industry leaders including Netherlands Airport Technology Group (NAT); German Airport Technology and Equipment (GATE); British Airports Group (BAG), UBIFRANCE, Unioncamere Lazio, Danish Airport Group and British Airport Services and Equipment Association (BASEA). The exhibition runs from 10 am to 6 pm daily, and attendance is free for trade visitors.